Delay in issuing Wind farm guidelines criticised

28 May 2015

Fine Gael TDs have criticised Labour Ministers Alex White and Alan Kelly over the 16-month delay in issuing planning guidelines for wind farms.
According to the Irish Times, the Taoiseach accepted a motion at a parliamentary party meeting last night calling for them to be released as soon as possible.
It was proposed by Meath East TD Helen McEntee and Kildare Deputy Martin Heydon.
Enda Kenny said meetings were on-going with the Departments of the Environment and Communications, but he accepted the revised plans needed to be released as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, a local Fine Gael TD is urging Environment Minister Alan Kelly to make a clear statement on the guidelines.
An Bord Pleanala's oral hearing into the Emlagh Wind farm application is due to get underway in less than three weeks time.
Regina Doherty says it's not good enough that we don't know under which guidelines this, and other planning applications will be adjudicated on.